Hospice Medical Director

Position Title

Hospice Medical Director

Reports To

Administrator

Position Summary

The Hospice Medical Director is responsible for the overall medical direction of the hospice program, ensuring the delivery of quality, patient-centered, and compliant palliative care services. This role involves collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), certification of patient eligibility, and oversight of clinical care in alignment with hospice philosophy and Medicare Conditions of Participation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Medical Leadership

– Provides medical oversight for all patients admitted to hospice care.
– Certifies and recertifies patients’ terminal illness and prognosis.
– Conducts face-to-face encounters for recertifications as required by Medicare.
– Serves as a liaison between the hospice team, attending physicians, and community providers.

2. Clinical Oversight

– Ensures development of patient care plans.
– Provides consultation on pain and symptom management.
– Supervises nurse practitioners and clinical staff.
– Monitors and evaluates clinical outcomes.

3. Interdisciplinary Team Participation

– Leads or participates in IDG meetings.
– Reviews and approves patient Plans of Care.
– Assists in resolving complex clinical or ethical issues.

4. Compliance and Quality Assurance

– Ensures compliance with federal/state regulations and accrediting bodies.
– Participates in QAPI activities.
– Assists in developing and updating clinical policies and procedures.

5. Education and Advocacy

– Provides staff education and mentorship.
– Advocates for hospice philosophy of care.
– Maintains current knowledge of palliative medicine.

Qualifications

– Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO).
– Current, unrestricted Minnesota license.
– Board certification in Hospice & Palliative Medicine preferred.
– Minimum 2–3 years of hospice or palliative care experience preferred.
– Strong leadership, communication, and team skills.

Work Conditions

– May be part-time or full-time.
– Must be available for consultation and on-call duties.
– Travel required to patient homes, nursing facilities, and hospitals.